7 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna Costa Rica with Kids: A Family-Tested Guide
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If you’re planning a Costa Rica trip with kids and wondering what to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, you’re in the right place. La Fortuna quickly became one of our favourite stops in the entire country because it’s that rare destination where every member of the family is happy — whether they want adventure, wildlife, relaxing hot springs, or all of the above.
We visited La Fortuna with our two boys (ages 7 and 9), and it’s the one place they still talk about constantly. Within 48 hours they’d ziplined through cloud-drenched rainforest, slid down waterslides at our hotel’s hot springs, spotted more sloths than we dreamed possible, and perfected their rope-swing technique at a local swimming hole alongside Costa Rican kids.
If you want a destination that delivers big experiences without exhausting travel days, La Fortuna is perfect. With most activities only 10–30 minutes apart, you can see and do far more than in most other parts of the country — whether you’re travelling long-term or trying to make the most of limited vacation time.
In this complete La Fortuna travel guide, you’ll find:
- The best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica (fully family-tested!)
- Which activities work best for each age group
- Where to save money (and where it’s worth upgrading)
- Tours we genuinely recommend for families
- Free and budget-friendly activities
- Where to stay with unforgettable volcano views
Let’s jump straight into the best things to do in La Fortuna with kids.
1. Zipline Through the Rainforest Canopy
Ziplining is one of the most iconic things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica — and honestly, nothing prepares you for that moment when you step off the platform and fly across a rainforest valley with a waterfall roaring below you.
We booked the Big Ama 12-zipline tour at Arenal Mundo Aventura, and it’s still one of the most memorable adventures of our entire Costa Rica trip. About halfway through, the sky opened and it started absolutely pouring. Huge droplets blurred everything around us, and clouds sank into the canopy so thickly that when the boys launched off the platform, they couldn’t even see the other end of the cable. They were half-terrified, half-ecstatic — and still call it “the best thing we’ve ever done.”
Why families love it
- Guides can tandem smaller or nervous kids – this is a great way to get them going!
- Super safe and well-organised.
- The absolutely incredible views will distract from any jitters.
Age & safety
- Most tours accept kids 6+.
- Kids can go tandem with guides if needed.
- Cables get faster when wet; the guides will adjust safety info accordingly.
Time & budget
- Expect 3–4 hours.
- $104 for adults and $79 for kids for the full 12 zipline experience. There is also a 7 zipline tour available which is slightly cheaper.
Ready to try this for yourself?
Here’s the zipline tour we recommend for families — the same one we did and loved.
👉 Book your Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline Tour here
2. Explore Sky Adventures Arenal (Hanging Bridges + Ziplines + Sky Tram)
If your family wants to roll several classic Costa Rica experiences into one day, Sky Adventures Arenal Park is ideal. It’s only 30 minutes from La Fortuna, but it feels like stepping into a different world of misty, magical rainforest.
Our kids adored the hanging bridges — though they wobbled so much we all squealed our way across. The views are straight out of every Costa Rica brochure: lush layers of green, birds calling from somewhere unseen, and shafts of light cutting through the canopy. The Sky Tram was another favourite — a slow, peaceful glide through the treetops with a guide pointing out wildlife.
Why families love it
- Perfect mix of gentle and high-adrenaline activities.
- Great for kids who love variety all in one dya
- Sky Tram is excellent for little legs or less mobile relatives.
Age & safety
- The ziplines here can be high and fast — best for confident kids.
- Trails are hot and humid; take PLENTY of water and go at a slow pace.
Time & budget
- The full combo package is pricey (around $130 adults / $91 kids).
- Plan for at least half a day; if you want to do everything this is likely to take around 5hours.
Want the all-in-one rainforest experience?
This is the Sky Adventures combo we suggest for families looking to do it all in one day.
👉 Book your Sky Adventures combo tickets here
3. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí Rivers
Whitewater rafting was high on our list of outdoor activities — mostly because the last time we’d tried it (on honeymoon in Colombia), it hadn’t gone quite to plan. So this time, we were determined to create better memories with the boys.
La Fortuna is a brilliant base for rafting, with two main options:
- Balsa or Sarapiqui Rivers (Class II–III) – ideal for families and younger kids
- Sarapiquí River (Class IV) – perfect for teens and thrill-seekers
The look of terror-mixed-with-delight on the boys’ faces as we hit our first rapid was priceless — one of those moments you wish you could bottle.
Why families love it
- Really exciting but also safe.
- The guides we had were fantastic with the kids.
- Most rafting trips include wildlife spotting and swimming too.
Age & safety
- Most tours accept kids 6+.
- Helmets and life jackets are always provided.
- Younger families will be better on the lower class rapids. There are even some much gentler options if it’s a slower pace you’re after.
Time & budget
- 2–3 hours on the water. With pick-up/drop-off this is a minimum half day activity.
- Around $75 per person. Pricey but 100% worth it for some great family bonding time!
Thinking of adding rafting to your La Fortuna itinerary?
These are the family-friendly rafting tours we trust for safe, exciting river fun.
👉 Balsa River rafting tour from La Fortuna
👉 Sarapiqui River rafting tour from La Fortuna
4. Hike the Volcano Trails at Arenal 1968
You can’t visit La Fortuna without experiencing Arenal Volcano — its perfect cone rises above the town like something straight out of a storybook.
We chose the Arenal 1968 trails because they offer flexible loops — essential for hiking with kids whose enthusiasm levels can change dramatically. The solidified lava fields from the 1968 eruption feel like walking on another planet, and the boys loved clambering over the rocky terrain.
The trail winds through open lava fields and patches of forest, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Ending at the Lava 1968 Café with cold drinks and jaw-dropping volcano views was the perfect reward.
Why families love it
- You can choose shorter or longer trails depending on your kids and how far they can reasonably hike
- The volcanic landscape is fascinating – it’s a really educational day out.
- It’s a fab mix of nature and adventure.
Age & safety
- Suitable for most children who can handle moderate walking.
- Bring plenty of water, hats, insect repellent and snacks.
- Some areas are uneven but manageable. There are some inclines on the medium/longer trails.
Time & budget
- Reasonably priced entrance for the length of time you can spend there.
- Allow 2–3 hours.
Want to hike the volcano without the guesswork?
This guided Arenal 1968 tour is great for families who want the history, geology, and wildlife explained along the way.
👉 Book your Arenal 1968 guided tour here
Only have a week in Costa Rica?
We’ve drafted the perfect 7-day itinerary if you’re low on time but still want a taste of Costa Rican magic!
5. Launch Yourself from the El Salto Rope Swing (Free!)
Exciting, refreshing, and completely free — El Salto is one of the best spontaneous adventures in La Fortuna. It’s located just south of town and easy to walk to if you’re staying centrally.
We arrived intending to stay 20 minutes and ended up being there for hours because the boys wouldn’t leave. They were determined to perfect their rope-swing technique (with plenty of squealing), and watching local kids teach visiting kids how to jump was such a highlight.
Why families love it
- Totally free!
- Great for cooling off from the Costa Rican heat.
- Fun, social atmosphere with a genuine mix of locals and tourists.
Age & safety
- Best for confident swimmers – they’ll need to be able to handle the splash landing then be able to swim to the edges.
- Rocks are slippery — water shoes help.
- Always check water depth before jumping (watch the locals first!)
Time & budget
- Free (our favourite word).
- Stay anywhere from 30 minutes to half a day.
👉 The exact location on Google Maps is here
Want the find the best places to stay in Costa Rica?
Check out our in-depth guide to the BEST hotels, eco-lodges and beachfront getaways for families (on any budget!)
6. Soak in La Fortuna’s Hot Springs
After all the adrenaline, the hot springs are the perfect wind-down. The geothermal activity beneath Arenal heats the water naturally, and resorts all around La Fortuna have created beautiful thermal pool complexes.
We stayed at Los Lagos Springs Resort, and it was brilliant. The pools range from tiny hidden nooks to big, warm pools with waterfalls and swim-up bars. The kids loved the cold-water pools and waterslides — we had to drag them away every evening.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you can visit the free river hot springs, which are warm, atmospheric, and cost exactly nothing.
Why families love it
- Really relaxing after busy adventure days in La Fortuna
- There are pools for all ages and comfort levels.
- Perfect evening activity – the twinkling lights in the dusk make it even more magical.
Age & safety
- Make sure kids don’t overheat — rotate between hot and cool pools.
- Surfaces can be slippery around the pool complex.
Time & budget
- Day passes vary widely in price depending on the resort. For Los Lagos, tickets are $51 for adults and $41 for kids.
- Free natural option in the local river available if you’re on a tight budget.
Want guaranteed access to the best hot springs?
These day passes give families the perfect way to relax after a big adventure day.
👉 Grab your day passes for Los Lagos here
7. Go Sloth Spotting (One of Our Best Wildlife Experiences Ever)
Sloths are a huge highlight for most families visiting Costa Rica — and La Fortuna is one of the best places to spot them.
Even though we’d already seen a few by the time we arrived, we booked a guided sloth tour — and it turned out to be one of the best wildlife experiences we’ve had anywhere. Our guide, Armando, was incredible. His enthusiasm was contagious, and somehow he managed to spot sloths hidden so carefully we’d have missed them entirely.
We saw 13 sloths, including two mothers with babies. Plus a giant yellow rat snake and several enormous iguanas. The boys were absolutely buzzing afterwards.
Why families love it
- Tours move at a very relaxed pace.
- Guaranteed wildlife with a good, knowledgeable guide.
- Amazing educational moment for kids tat they’ll remember forever.
Age & safety
- Suitable for all ages.
- Bring bug spray and plenty of water. Tours are in shady parts of the forest but it’s still pretty hot.
Time & budget
- Many tours last 2–3 hours.
- Prices vary but are usually around $20-30 per person.
DIY option
The Bogarin Trail offers a great self-guided sloth-spotting walk just outside town.
Want the same amazing sloth experience we had?
This is the sloth tour we booked — and the one we now recommend to every family visiting La Fortuna.
👉 Book Armando as your sloth tour guide now!
How Long Do You Need in La Fortuna?
Three days in La Fortuna is the perfect amount of time for families. You can comfortably fit in:
- Ziplines
- A wildlife tour
- A hike
- A hot springs evening
If you’ve got adventurous kids, you could easily stay longer — but three days hits all the highlights without rushing.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has options for every budget. These are our tried-and-tested favourites:
Budget Pick: Arenal Xilopalo
This hotel made our trip so much easier.
- Huge family apartments
- Great birdwatching
- Stunning volcano views
But the real highlight? The staff. They spent ages with us planning the best activities for our family — and then booked everything. It lifted so much of the planning weight off me that it genuinely felt like a mini-break within our trip.
Splash-Out Pick: Los Lagos Springs & Resort
If you want to treat yourselves, this is the place.
- Multiple hot springs
- Waterslides for kids
- Lush walking trails
- Beautiful volcano views
We stayed here for the hot springs — and it was absolutely worth it.
Looking for our top family-friendly hotels in La Fortuna?
Here are the places we stayed and genuinely recommend.
👉 Arenal Xilopalo
Tips for Visiting La Fortuna with Kids
- Budget extra for this leg — there’s so much to do.
- Choose accommodation with volcano views for magical mornings and evenings.
- Alternate high-energy days with chilled days to avoid meltdowns.
- Water, hats, and snacks are essential on every outing.
⭐Ready to Plan Your La Fortuna Adventure?
If you’ve enjoyed this La Fortuna travel guide, here are more posts to help plan your family adventure:
- Where to see sloths in Costa Rica
- The Perfect 2-Week Costa Rica Itinerary for Families
- Best places to stay in Costa Rica for families
- Costa Rica with Kids: The Ultimate Guide
And if you’re ready to book activities, our favourite family-friendly La Fortuna tours are:
👉 Ziplines
👉 Sky Adventures
👉 Rafting
👉 Sloth tour
👉 Hot springs day passes
Have the best time in La Fortuna — it’s truly one of the most magical places in Costa Rica for families.
